Pterocat’s debut album, “Slow Blink” is one of the best releases I’ve heard this year. It opens with “Anti”, a song with lovely vocal melodies, rich layers of instrumentation that give it so much to listen to. The atmosphere is beautiful and I really enjoyed the production choices. The mix of guitars, bass and drums gives these songs a full band sound. Its lyrics touch on the pressure of perfectionism and that familiar voice telling you your work is not good enough. I like how the band turns that idea into something lively.
“Another Dream” is another favourite. It has a great energy with guitars and drums that work so well together. I also really liked hearing both voices, male and female, sharing the song. The song’s ideas about finding ways through conflict give it something more to sit with.
With its 9 tracks, the album gives Pterocat so much space and room to move between sounds without losing the character that makes the band unique. Their dreamy indie-rock approach, with washed-out guitar textures, suits the songwriting. The melodies are catchy and easy to remember, and the choruses have enough strength to stay with you after the album ends. The production is professional and full of energy.
I had a good time listening to this record. Pterocat sounds like a band who cares about what they make, and that passion comes through in the writing and performances. “Slow Blink” is an easy album to put on repeat and I will be keeping an eye on whatever they do next.
